Check out the Tek retrofit kits then if you're building a canopy. More lights for cheaper, plus you still get the good Tek reflectors. Make sure to incorporate some good-sized fans in the canopy and you will have a great setup for a modest price. The retrofit kits mount right into our canopy without using a fixture. They are easier to keep cool, and perform better because of it imo.
Keeping budget in mind, you could always buy half your bulbs used, and half your bulbs new. Then every 4 months replace the old half. That way you're only replacing 3-4 bulbs at a time, and the corals won't get shocked by new (brighter) bulbs when you swap out. Also, buying some used bulbs will give you an idea of which bulbs you like, and which ones you don't without costing you $25-35 each like new ones.
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~ Mindy
SPS fanatic.
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